Oprah Takes Over Three Chicago Blocks

"And -- hold on to your carry-ons," Oprah teased in a video played at the terminal ceremony. "It's going to get even better for you."

Each month through May 2011, the airline will award one customer one million United Mileage Plus miles. Hopefuls should head to UnitedMillionMiles.com for details.

Also, one passenger on Thursday's flight to Los Angeles was to be awarded "enough Mileage Plus miles to fly all the way around the world," announced United Senior Vice President of Marketing Mark Bergsrud.